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Mariners Storylines to Watch Out for at the WBC

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With MLB Opening Weekend fast approaching, the season is now upon us. The Seattle Mariners will be the most represented team in the WBC with 16 players reporting for their respective countries. Beyond the obvious hope that they remain free of any injury scares, the Mariners will want strong performances as their stars build up for the season away from Spring Training. With this level of Mariners representation, there are several key storylines and performers to monitor as attention begins to shift toward Cleveland in March and opening roster considerations.

Michael Arroyo: The Spring Breakout Candidate

Image of Michael Arroyo. Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

2026 Spring Training has so far been the Michael Arroyo show. While much of the offseason attention has centered on Cole Young and Colt Emerson, the young Colombian has put his hand up with several impressive displays so far in Arizona. He started at second base in the season opener, going 2-for-2, with a two-run homer and a double.

Following four games and 11 plate appearances, his slash line is .429/.636/.1143. This is admittedly across a very small sample, but it gives him a great foundation for the WBC. He is projected to be a starter for Colombia at second base. This gives him a great opportunity to continue to string together meaningful performances against international opposition.

 

While he remains behind Emerson and Young in the Mariners’ infield prospect pecking order, he must continue to apply pressure and prove himself at a higher level. Following a strong season in Double-A in 2025, at 21 years old, he has the opportunity to put himself in strong standing for 2027 and a shot to make the roster, or even at the back end of this year, should any injuries arise. Having built strong momentum in the Cactus League this spring, Arroyo is a Mariners standout to watch at the WBC, beyond the headline names like Raleigh, Rodriguez, Arozarena, and company.

Julio Rodriguez: Breaking the Slow-Starts

Image of Julio Rodriguez. Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The two versions of Julio Rodriguez have become all too familiar at this point. Post All-Star, he has put up an OPS above 900 in 3 of his 4 seasons in the league. He can feel absolutely unstoppable and one of the best talents in the league. That is the kind of form that would put him in the MVP conversation if sustained across a full season.

But so far, that has not been the case. He has started slowly every season with no clear explanation. As he prepares for his fifth year in the league, already a clubhouse leader at just 25, he will look to lead from the front and finally cement himself as an MVP contender. Rodriguez is one of the faces of a star-studded Dominican Republic team that has the talent to feel like it can take down both Japan and Team USA.

 

The Mariners will obviously be keeping a close eye on their star center fielder. There will, of course, be narratives to spin depending on how he performs. If he starts slowly, there will be hope that he is dusting off the cobwebs earlier and getting his annual early-season slump out of his system. If he starts hot, it will be seen as a sign that he has finally broken this pattern.

As one of the leaders of both his country and club, there will be a huge spotlight on Rodriguez, but this has been the case ever since he broke out as a rookie four years ago.

Dane Dunning: Now or Never?

Image of Dane Dunning. Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The Mariners signed Dane Dunning to a minor-league contract at the end of January. After the team shut Logan Evans down for 2026 following Tommy John surgery, Dunning’s chances of featuring for the Mariners this season became far more realistic.

Since his role with the 2023 Texas Rangers, where he helped them win the World Series, he has yet to post an ERA below 5.00 in the last 2 seasons. He has not started his Mariners tenure much better in Spring Training. Fortunately for Dunning, he has an opportunity not afforded to many fringe arms. He will be able to start meaningful games at the WBC for Korea. This gives him a chance to gain momentum through meaningful appearances.

 

He and the Mariners will hope there is more to extract from the cutter-sinker profile that can make him valuable in 2026. But this is something that must be proved, and following a poor 2025 and start to 2026 with the Mariners, he will hope a change of scenery at the WBC can ignite some momentum as we begin the new season.

(Top Image Credit:Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images)